§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the areas of skill shortages in the Seaham and Peterlee areas. [37912]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Department has made no assessment of the areas of skill shortages in the Seaham and Peterlee areas.
However, the Education and Training sub-group of the East Durham Task Force, jointly chaired by the Chief Executive of the County Durham TEC and the Principal of Peterlee College, is still looking into skill shortages in the Easington, Peterlee and Seaham areas. Engineering skills have been identified as a difficulty, and County Durham TEC has provided £100,000 to enhance facilities at the Engineering Centre at Peterlee.